Grim reading today from the police blotter in Cuidad Ju-rez just across the border from El Paso, TX. Nine people killed in drug related violence, including a police officer gunned down by AK-47s in front on his home, and a former district prosecutor ambushed outside of town.

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There's a war taking place in Juarez and other cities across northern Mexico. It pits rival cartels fighting for control of the $ 40 billion dollar-a-year market for illegal drugs in the U.S. Trying to stop them are Mexican police backed by the Army. The Bush Administration is urging Congress to approve $ 1.4 billion in military and other assistance to help Mexico win the fight. But the money is mired in Congress. Lorne Matalon reports.

Mexican Special Forces on patrol, looking for membes of the Sinaloa drug cartel (photo: Lorne Matalon)Mexican Special Forces on patrol, looking for membes of the Sinaloa drug cartel (photo: Lorne Matalon)